Buying a cross-runner

[Sven]

Hello people, I am looking for advice on buying a cross-runner. I used to have a Honda Super 4. Loved it. But then moved to a Harley. Miss the smoothness of the Honda. I am thinking of buying the VFR800X. Chanced upon this forum and decided this is the best place to seek advice. Have a bike in mind here in Singapore, where I live, which has done 44000 kms over 5 years with the current owner. 2015 model registered in 2016. I am not a bike expert. Want to understand what sort of things to check out before committing to the buy. Any advice would be highly appreciated. I find the bike garages here are not very keen on helping you vet the bike. I can see the tyres need replacement. The brake pads too. Seat has some tears. Are there Honda VFR800x replacement seats available?

[panagos]

Ask for service book and check if the bike had a valve check.It is very important and costs a lot

[panagos]

You should let the bike idle for a while or ride it for a few klms and listen the engine for strange noises.

[Corringdon]

  Welcome Sven. In the 1980's I worked out of Singapore for 7 years and the traffic situation then was pretty horrendous so, with 44000 kms on the clock I would say the CR has had a lot of stop/start driving which takes its toll on any motor vehicle. Therefore I recommend you check wheel and headstock bearings, gear changes, clutch, fuelling, and give the bike a good road test. As Panagos has said pay particular attention to the service record in general and especially with the checking of the valves.

[Skids]

Hi Sven 

What they all said plus chain & sprockets, check the level and colour of the engine oil and brake/clutch fluids too. Not difficult to change but worth a check. Obviously you'll check all the electrics work as advertised, including the heated grips though I doubt you'll be needing them over there. 

If you do decide to buy her, please post a photo so we can see you are real. 

[panagos]

In case you find anything suspicious take a picture and share it with us.

[voodoo]

No! Don't! Buy a 1200gs instead! 

Hello and  from the Netherlands

[Si Click]

There are certainly replacement seats available in Europe, though most want you to post them your original first. A decent rebuild and recover might be easier locally.

[voodoo]

I think that if the seat has tears after 44k km the bike had a hard life. Maybe wait for a bike in better nick?

As for the mileage, 44k km is no problem at all. I would rather buy a 80k km bike that has been cared for, than a 44k km one that hasn't.

[Sven]

Originally Posted by panagos

Ask for service book and check if the bike had a valve check.It is very important and costs a lot

Thank you. Noted.